Anniversary

This is the second time Jackie has had to spend an anniversary alone while I am in the desert. Luckily, it will be the last time. It doesn't seem possible that it has been 16 years. But I have completely forgotten what life was like before I met her.

Miss ya, sweetie. This trip is getting closer to being done, once and for all.

So I have been waiting...

...for the latest iPod nano to come out, to see if it is worth upgrading the iPod mini that a family member currently uses. Sure enough, it's worth every penny, and I was almost ready to close the browser window..until I checked out the other iPods. Like a Florida voter, something shiny caught my eye, and I noticed that Apple no longer offers a 160GB iPod Classic. They offer only a 120 GB version now.

Drat. I wanted a 160GB when I got back from the desert. {SIGH} So now I'll have to settle for the 120GB version.

Isn't it strange how shopping for somebody else always turns into shopping for me?

Sunday morning

Got up early this AM (3:45) to chat with the family. Daisy made a surprise visit to to the webcam, and Payton almost fell asleep on Jackie's shoulder. They both enjoyed the latest video, and I think we are all kind of getting used to the routine now. Not that you ever REALLY get used to being 8,000 miles away.

The picture is one that was created by a very clever friend, using a photo from the previous mobilization in 2004. I love the creativity it takes to do this kind of work, and wish I shared it.

Not quite as good as "Reading Lolita in Tehran" in Tehran....

I have been reading "From Baghdad, With Love", which Jackie was VERY KIND to find a copy and then mail to me. I admit, I have a soft spot for animals, dogs in particular.
Then I find myself traveling throughout the region, and carting it along in my leg cargo pocket. I don't drag it out for a few days, then it hits me: I need to take a picture of me reading the book when I actually visit Baghdad later that day. All goes well, I get the picture right under the sign welcoming visitors (thank you to the anonymous Air Force person for indulging me). So I am happily in possession of my picture and book, and then on the flight home....I leave the disposable camera on the edge of my lap, we take a bunch of turns....it decides to end it's own life under the cargo pallet right behind us.

I sighed heavily.

Jackie, can you add this book to the list of our books on the right? Blogger isn't the most user friendly in that regard....

Anyway, here is the video of the dog from the book:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLIzyAM5qrQ

Jackie's Birthday is soon

I find it not quite as nice when the present isn't a surprise, but it certainly is nice when you get EXACTLY what you want and/or need.

She usually lets me know either what she wants, or she goes ahead and gets it. Which is fine by me, since I possess male DNA which makes me clueless to most subtle hints.

I believe I know what she wants, but I will probably ruin the surprise by asking her to make a few key decisions.

Got so excited...

that I forgot to say the rest of the things I have to say.

Happy Ramadan (fooled you! that's an oxymoron.)

I have been getting a steady flow of boxes from back home thanks to Jackie, and the Rock*Star that she sends has been fabulous at keeping me awake for my schoolwork, etc. I know that it is probably bad to rely on a crutch like caffeine, but if we didn't send 44 year old men to the desert, then we wouldn't have this problem.

Also, happy Labor Day!

Oh, I have also started watching the older episodes of Battlestar Galactica the new series that started in 2003. I underestimated this show. I hope to get the 3rd and 4th seasons on DVD when they come out (in addition to the newest seasons of Weeds and Rescue Me).

Well, it seemed like I had more stuff I needed to say when I started this post, but I was wrong.

later..

Here's a new widget

I found this while surfing iTunes.

Hopefully, it gives you an insight into me via my music, and ALSO that it maybe works right.